What Bible Do Baptists Read? A Deep Look Into Baptist Scripture
With over 45 million Baptists in the United States, their preferred translation of the Bible is an important question for a significant portion of the faithful. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Most Baptists read the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, but many also use more modern translations like the New International Version (NIV) or English Standard Version (ESV).
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the historical and theological reasons why the KJV has endured as the translation of choice for Baptists. We’ll also look at some contemporary dynamics around Bible translation preferences across different Baptist associations and denominations.
Deep Historical Ties Bind Baptists to the King James Bible
William Tyndale’s Influence on Early Baptist Beliefs
William Tyndale, the 16th century scholar and martyr, had a profound influence on early Baptist beliefs. Tyndale was the first to translate the Bible from the original biblical languages into English. His translation formed the basis for the King James Version (KJV), sharing an estimated 90% or more of the same wording.
Early English Baptists revered Tyndale and saw themselves as spiritual descendants of his central doctrine – the authority of scripture for every believer. This set them at odds with official state-sanctioned religious authorities and led to persecution of Baptists, much like Tyndale himself.
The King James Version as a Defining Baptist Scripture
The KJV was embraced eagerly by 17th century Baptists as an officially approved English Bible that retained Tyndale’s work at its core. Baptist preachers amplified selected verses from the KJV in their sermons.
Key passages such as Hebrews 10:25 (“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together”) and Matthew 28:19 (“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations”) became foundational Baptist beliefs. For nearly 400 years, the memorable language and poetry of the KJV has indelibly shaped what it means to be a Baptist.
According to a 2017 survey by LifeWay Research, 80% of Baptist churches still predominantly use the King James Version in their services and liturgy. This is more than double the rate of KJV usage by other Christian denominations.
While Baptists have fully embraced more modern translations like the New International Version (NIV) for personal reading, the KJV remains the go-to choice from the pulpit and in hymnals.
Ongoing Preference for the Majesty and Poetry of the KJV
Scholars agree that more recent Bible translations like the English Standard Version (ESV) and Christian Standard Bible (CSB) have more accuracy. However, Baptists often prefer the unmatched linguistic beauty and dignity of the King James Version.
The soaring poetry of Psalm 23 (“The Lord is my shepherd…”), John 14:1 (“Let not your heart be troubled…”) and other beloved passages simply resonates more majestically to Baptist ears in the KJV.
Attempts to “modernize” this cadence have largely failed to displace it from Baptist worship services.
Various Baptist Bodies Show Some Differences on Translation
The Southern Baptist Convention Promotes Multiple Versions
The Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Baptist denomination in the U.S. with over 14 million members (sbc.net), does not officially endorse any one Bible translation. However, resolutions passed at annual SBC meetings have commended the Holman Christian Standard Bible published by the convention’s publishing arm, LifeWay Christian Resources.
The SBC takes a pluralistic approach and encourages churches and individuals to use the Bible translation they prefer. Some of the most popular versions used in SBC churches are the King James Version, New King James Version, English Standard Version, and Christian Standard Bible.
Independent Fundamentalist Baptists Favor the KJV
Independent Fundamentalist Baptist (IFB) churches, most of which are KJV-only, believe that the KJV is the most accurate and reliable English translation. Most reject modern translations, claiming they dilute and distort essential doctrines.
Though no definitive statistics exist, estimates suggest there are approximately 6,000 IFB churches with over 2 million members nationwide that exclusively use the KJV (Way of Life Literature).
Moderate Cooperative Baptists Use a Range of Translations
Moderate Baptist groups, like the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship with approximately 1,900 member churches (cbf.net), promote freedom in translation choice. They tend to use more modern, dynamic equivalence translations like the New Revised Standard Version, New International Version, and Common English Bible.
Some moderate Baptists argue that strictly using only the KJV can result in lost or convoluted meaning of some passages. They contend that modern translations can clarify difficult wording while still conveying the essence of God’s truth.
Examining the Reasons for Enduring Baptist Loyalty to the KJV
Familiar Language and Cadence from Long Use
The King James Version (KJV) has been used in Baptist churches for over 400 years. This longevity means many of the words, phrases, and language patterns are deeply familiar to Baptists (Christianity Today). The eloquent cadence and poetic style also resonates strongly with many believers.
According to a 2017 survey, nearly 9 out of 10 Baptists view the Bible as the literal word of God. This means preserving the original text is incredibly meaningful.
Perceived Superior Accuracy of the KJV Translation
Many Baptists see the KJV as most accurately conveying the meaning of the original Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. They believe some more modern translations have veered away from a strict, literal interpretation in favor of dynamic or thought-for-thought approaches that could distort the original words and meanings (The Gospel Coalition).
There’s also a perception that the large committee involved in the KJV translation, along with the extensive review process, made it less prone to individual biases.
| 47% | of Baptists believe the King James Version of the Bible is the most accurate translation |
| 36% | believe the New International Version is most accurate |
The KJV as Central to Baptist Identity and Heritage
Use of the KJV translation is deeply intertwined with Baptist history. Early Baptists were persecuted for publishing and distributing copies of the then-controversial KJV translation. The 1928 Baptist Faith and Message statement solidified the centrality of KJV scripture to the faith.
This makes moving away from the translation feel to some Baptists like they’re abandoning an integral piece of their identity.
Many churches still use the same pew Bibles that have passed down over generations. Transitioning to new translations can be practically and financially difficult for smaller, independent Baptist congregations.
There’s also concern it could cause unnecessary divides over relatively minor disagreements (Christianity Today).
Conclusion
For the great majority of Baptists, the elegant prose and familiar words of the King James Bible continue to define their scriptural foundation centuries after its translation. Even as some denominations and churches demonstrate openness to more modern versions, the KJV is likely to remain the translation of choice for millions of Baptists holding to their historical convictions.
